Photo credit: PBA Media Bureau
The Magnolia Timplados Hotshots defeated the San Miguel Beermen 96-85 in Game 4 to even the series at 2-2 in best-of-7 finals series in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Friday, February 9, 2024, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. [VIDEO]
Magnolia established a lead at the end of the first quarter, 27-19, and maintained a 4-point advantage, 49-45, by the end of the first half. However, the Beermen took back a slim 1-point lead at the end of the third frame, 73-72. The Hotshots ended the final quarter by outscoring the Beermen, 24-12.
Magnolia secured their back-to-back wins by employing a balanced scoring attack and a strong defense anew, dealing SMB import Bennie Boatwright his lowest output of 16 points on 5-of-16 shooting. Additionally, they once again managed to limit San Miguel to under 90 points, as the Beermen shot 37% from the field with 30-of-81 shooting (8/37 3pt) while Magnolia shot 34-of-82, including 10-of-25 from beyond the arc and 18-of-22 from the free-throw line.
"Everyone embraced our defensive mindset, especially Tyler. Everything boils down to our defense. We limited them to under-90 points and that's our goal. As long as the series becomes a defensive battle, we have a chance to win games." said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero via PBA.ph.
Tyler Bey led the Hotshots with a double-double finish of 26 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, six steals, and a block. Mark Barroca had another all-around game, contributing 14 points, 7 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and two blocks. Paul Lee added 14 points, Ian Sangalang scored 16 points, Jio Jalalon contributed 10 points and 5 rebounds, and Calvin Abueva was 1 point shy of a double-double with 9 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
In a losing effort, five SMB players finished in double figures as June Mar Fajardo spearheaded SMB with 18 points and 13 rebounds but saw limited action in the second half due to calf issues. Bennie Boatwright Jr. finished with 16 points (1/9 3pt), a game-high 14 rebounds, one assist, along with 6 turnovers and five fouls. CJ Perez, coming off his first Best Player of the Conference award, added 17 points (7/15 FG, 1/6 3pt), 5 rebounds, three assists, and three steals with five fouls.
Finals Game 5 is on Sunday, February 11, at the Araneta Coliseum at 6:15pm.
The Scores:
MAGNOLIA 96 - Bey 26, Barroca 14, Lee 14, Sangalang 13, Jalalon 10, Abueva 9, Dionisio 6, Laput 2, Dela Rosa 2, Escoto 0, Tratter 0.
SAN MIGUEL 85 – Fajardo 18, Perez 17, Boatwright 16, Trollano 12, Cruz 11, Lassiter 9, Teng 2, Ross 0, Tautuaa 0.
Quarters: 27-19, 49-45, 72-73, 96-85. [GAME STATS] | [GAME HIGHLIGHTS] | [JORDAN]
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